| Tech
class proposes partnership with Laurium
By GARRETT NEESE
Daily Mining Gazette Writer
LAURIUM
----- Whether studying Laurium's water system or restoring historic
buildings, some Michigan Tech University students could be gaining
real-world experience in Laurium next summer. Tech instructor Dennis
Magolan proposed a partnership between his Senior Design class and
the village at the Laurium Village Council meeting Tuesday.
During the past three summers, students have worked with Houghton
and Hancock on land development projects, sanitary sewer rehabilitation,
storm water redirection and other projects. "The students need
real-life projects to work on," he said. "These are the
things they're interested in doing. It creates the most enthusiasm."
The class could begin work in April or May 2006.
One possible project involves modeling Laurium's water system. Students
would test water pressure at various locations throughout the city
and then plot the results on a system map. This would give the village
a clear way to see the system's weak spots, said Trustee Jim Koskiniemi.
" You could prioritize what areas (and) get the biggest bang
for your buck," he said. Whatever the project, it must be one
on which students can study with an architect, Magolan said. "As
long as you meet that criteria, we can do a lot of things,"
he said. Magolan would also like to see a downtown historical restoration
project similar to Calumet's. He suggested restoring the First National
Bank
building and creating a visitor's center. C-L-K Public Schools students
and other community members could also be brought on to the project
to create a Web site or fundraise, he said.
Editor's
Note: This article is reprinted by permission from the
Daily Mining Gazette, Houghton, Mich. |
